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UNC School of Medicine | Department of Pediatrics
Advancing the health of children in North Carolina and beyond

Junior Faculty Development

Support for Early-Career Investigators

Early-career physician-scientists are essential to advancing child health research, yet securing funding and mentorship can be challenging. The UNC Children’s Research Institute (CRI) is committed to supporting investigators at this critical stage by connecting them with institutional resources, funding opportunities, and expert guidance. One of CRI’s core goals is to serve as a gateway for junior faculty, helping them leverage available resources and build sustainable, independent research programs.

K and R-Level Career Development Awards

K awards

K awards provide career development support for advanced postdoctoral fellows and junior faculty, helping them gain the experience needed to compete successfully for major independent research grants.

R awards

R awards represent a key milestone, marking the transition to independent research funding for a defined project.

Investigators in the UNC Department of Pediatrics who are applying for an NIH K award or their first R-level (or equivalent) award are strongly encouraged to contact the CRI for potential support.

Training Grant Opportunities

The UNC School of Medicine offers a wide range of institutional training grants for students, fellows, and early-career researchers pursuing careers in pediatrics, maternal and child health, and related fields. These programs provide structured mentorship, coursework, and research experience to prepare participants for independent academic careers.

  • Training opportunities focus on key areas such as:
  • Reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric epidemiology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders and child mental health
  • Maternal and caregiver-child health
  • Environmental exposures, genetics, and computational biology
  • Prevention and chronic illness in youth
  • Clinical research, health services, and implementation science

For a complete list of active programs, visit the UNC Office of Research Grant Assistance page.

Collaboration with NC TraCS

The North Carolina Translational and Clinical Sciences (NC TraCS) Institute provides additional education, mentorship, and career development resources to strengthen translational research at UNC. The CRI works closely with NC TraCS to ensure that Department of Pediatrics trainees and junior faculty have access to workshops, seminars, pilot funding, and mentorship networks that enhance their research success.

Learn more about available opportunities through NC TraCS Education and Training.